Dr. Tom Willard from Performance Foods is one of the veterinary
nutritionists I have been working with in collecting information to use
in compiling a list of treats that are safe for our ferrets.  My original
concern was in educating the public in regards to the blockage potential
of dehydrated fruits, vegetables and nuts, however very quickly after I
started asking questions, I saw that the list was going to need to take
more than blockage potential into account when choosing a good treat for
our ferrets.
 
This is an ongoing project and I am open to any input or questions
ferret owners have.  It's incredibly important that all of us know what
constitutes safe foods and treats for our ferrets; and also what to look
for that can be dangerous to them.  We MUST read labels!  If we can't
force the manufacturers to stop making unsafe treats, the next best thing
we can do is get the word out to as many people as possible about what
is and is not safe to feed them.  If there is no market for the 'junk'
foods, hopefully manufacturers will eventually remove them from the
market.
 
Here is what Dr. Willard says in regards to fiber content in ferrets
food and treats:
 
"Ferrets lack a ceacum, the blind pouch between the large and small
intestine.  This organ is where most of the fiber is digested in
monogastric, simple stomach, animals.  These include the horse, rabbit
and most of the rodents like the guinea pig, etc.  Without the ceacum,
the ferret cannot digest ANY of the fiber in its food.  Ferrets also have
no functioning colon, where, in other animals helps break down some of
the fiber, as the human, dog and in some degree the cat.  The colon of
the ferret is basically sterile and cannot break down fiber.  2% to 2.5%
fiber should be the maximum of any ferret food or treat.  The small
amount of fiber helps keep the food in the intestines moving to help in
digestion but larger amounts will only cause problems."
 
The ferret treat list continues to be updated and more treats added and
classified.  If you would like a copy of the current list, please email
me at [log in to unmask] .  If you know of a treat that
isn't listed, email me and let's get it evaluated and placed in the
proper category on the list so ferret owners can have this list for easy
reference.  Consumer education is vital to the health and welfare of our
precious little furry ones.
 
jacquie rodgers
[Posted in FML issue 5142]